John Calipari will be back at Rupp Arena next college basketball season as the SEC wasted no time in playing the ultimate villain while putting together the 2024-25 conference schedule.
Arkansas is set to travel to Lexington at a date that’s yet to be determined, giving Wildcat fans one more chance to voice displeasure with their now-former head coach.
Coach Cal spent 15 seasons roaming the sidelines in Rupp, winning a national title and taking the program to multiple Final Fours. Unfortunately, the backend of that tenure was marred by early NCAA Tournament exits.
Over his last four campaigns, Kentucky went just 1-3 in postseason play with losses to double digit seeds Saint Peter’s and Oakland.
Those upsets had many around the university calling for Calipari’s job, though a $33M buyout caused administration to be hesitant in pulling the trigger.
He was initially set to return to Lexington for at least another season more, then a surprise.
John Calipari bolted for SEC rival Arkansas shortly after agreeing to that return, representing a win-win of sorts for both sides.
A massive NIL budget played a part in that decision as Razorback donors ponied up plenty to land the coach’s services. Some of that money was then used to convince Kentucky players and recruits to flip affiliations and follow their fearless leader.
Now, John Calipari will return to Rupp with those poached Wildcats!
The SEC unveiled its 2024-25 conference schedule on Monday, and wouldn’t you know it, a trip to Lexington was on the slate for Arkansas.
Sources: Kentucky and Arkansas will only play once during the 2024-25 season and the game will be played in Lexington at Rupp Arena.
Date is currently TBD.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein)
One winner-take-all matchup will decide ultimate bragging rights.
Redemption for Calipari after being forced out in a sense? Or revenge for the Wildcats after having their roster picked apart by a former ally?
Either way, it should make for an entertaining watch!
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